Raise the Hammer

Comment 72384

I'm not a radical and I don't pretend to be one. As much as possible, given a) the vagaries of temperament and b) the limits of information, I try to form opinions based on evidence and reasonable analysis. If that smacks of an engineering methodological bias, I apologize and duly refer you to a) above.

That said, I would respectfully suggest that you have posited a false alternative between what we might call your "bottom-up" approach to civic engagement and the "top-down" approach of compulsory voting (and I will pause here to point out that I'm merely open to studying the idea further, not a committed advocate).

There's no reason for a community not to explore and pursue any and all avenues severally in pursuit of a desirable outcome. If compulsory voting is successful at increasing the level of meaningful civic engagement, then anyone who wants to increase the level of meaningful civil engagement should be at least prepared to consider it on its merits.

If it doesn't work or the cost is prohibitive, then a careful examination will eliminate it as a viable option.